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Gretchen Raziela posted a condolence
Saturday, August 22, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Gardner family. It was our privilege to watch as love bloomed between Ed and Susan. Their wedding seems as though it were only yesterday. The time you had together was too short. But in those years there was more love, joy, and blessings than many people see in 50 years of marriage. I pray that those memories will comfort and sustain you all until you are once again united in eternity. May God’s peace be upon you all.
With love, Gretchen (Brack) Raziela
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Lucy Caryer posted a condolence
Saturday, August 22, 2020
An inspirational man of God who always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him
Barry Evans posted a condolence
Saturday, August 22, 2020
There is an old story – which each and every time I hear it, I am reminded about Ed Gardner:
The story says:
There was an old man who had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one day, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.
Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The storm washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.”
The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”
The boy listened politely, then smiled, bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”
In the 29 years that I’ve known Ed and his family, I have seen him make a difference - through his kindness, through his words, through his actions… I have seen him make a difference in so many lives. I know that he made a profound difference in mine.
I was just a 19-year-old kid, a college sophomore, and fate would have it, that we purchased the house adjacent to Ed’s.
Most college kids would go home for the weekend, but my family was 1200 miles away in New York. That all changed within a few short days of meeting Ed Gardner. I became a part of the family. Three-year-old Taylor would somehow always be in my kitchen pantry or video closet. Six-year-old Lindsey., was a constant fixture in my living room, or in my yard or asking me to play a game or on her swingset. Brandon, actually would tell his school mates that I was his older brother who happen to buy the house next door!
I had dinner with them.
I went to church with them.
I was welcomed with open arms in every possible way.
When I tried to figure out who I was and where I was with regard to my walk with Christ as well as my own religious beliefs… Ed walked beside me, every step of the way. He stood by my side when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior.
He started out as a neighbor… Developed into a pal… Then became my mentor… Eventually becoming closer than any big brother that a guy could ever ask for.
Even if we would go several weeks or even a month or two without chatting – we would always pick up as if we had spoken the day before. He was always there for me. I am comforted to know, that I was there for some of his tough times too, when all I could do was offer an ear, a shoulder, and maybe some advice. After I moved to different parts of the country… Ed and I would always find time to check in and check up on one another. He was honest with me, sometimes about his health, sometimes about his struggles. I took comfort in the fact that I was honest with him and always valued his advice… and nothing was better than how he would end our conversations with a heartfelt prayer.
For 29 years, Ed played a vital role in my life. And just like a little boy in the story… Ed might not have been able to touch the lives of millions… But those hundreds or even thousands whom he did come in contact with… TO THEM - He was able to make a difference. I know that I am a different person, and I hope I can continue to be a better person, because I knew Ed Gardner.
I am comforted by the fact that he is not suffering physically. I am comforted by the fact that he is with our Lord and Savior. I am comforted by the fact that he will look over all of us, and smile down often, while protecting his loved ones. The only thing that hurts, is that those of us who he has left behind, will not be able to hear that laugh, his old country sayings, or give him a big hug…at least not until we meet again.
Thank you for letting me share this about my dear friend and big brother. God bless you and keep you well, Ed.
~ Barry Tacktill
PS: May God watch over your family Ed.. and may their sorrows be turned to joy and smiles as their tears give way to sweet memories of you. I hope I can be half the man that you have been... Beautiful tributes today - especially from Susan, Linz, Taylor and Brandon.....
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Ccrain04@ail.com posted a condolence
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Prayers to the Gardner family and for Eddie. We have lost a good man but God has gotten a GREAT man. We will miss him and his wonderful personality. God bless, Mr Gardner.
Skip Rainey
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Beverly Berner Hatcher posted a condolence
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Eddie is my nephew. I am his Aunt B. It was always a thrill when he would come to visit for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July. He loved his granddaddy, Go-go, and Grandma and spent many summer days with us.
My favorite memory was a summer when the road in front of our house was being paved. Huge piles of black dirt were piled to build up the road because it flooded in heavy rain. Eddie, Rusty and I rolled down those hills of dirt all afternoon. We laughed and would run right back to the top and do it again and again. Of course, we were filthy. I've wondered how we got cleaned up, but I imagine a garden hose did the trick.
When Eddie graduated from college he took a job near Atlanta, and he spent many weekends at my house. My children were very young and he loved playing with them.
He was a wonderful man and gave guidance to my children many times.
I will always miss and love him. REST IN PEACE Sweetie.
Aunt B
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Jill Boardman posted a condolence
Saturday, August 22, 2020
My favorite memory of Eddie is from about 6 years ago when we got caught in a terrible lightning storm on our boat on the intercoastal waterway. While Susan, me and the boys hunkered down in the stern more than a little scared, Eddie and Taylor sat in the bow laughing and talking and enjoying the light show! I can still see Eddie’s serene, fearless face framed by an ominous storm. This storm was nothing compared to fighting cancer. I will always remember Eddie for his fearless faith.
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Bobby Hutchinson posted a condolence
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Philippians 1:3 says, "I thank My God For Every remembrance of You" Eddie and I do. 1st. Thessalonians 5:18 says, " In everything give thanks for this is the Will of God, concerning Christ Jesus in Your life", and I believe this. We can give thanks for Eddie's life He live, for the Love He showed and gave, His love for the Lord and His service to Him, His love for His Family and Friends and for the example He showed as he lived His Life here on this earth. That old Gospel Hymn " Sweet Hour of Prayer " says, " Sweet Hour of Prayer, Sweet Hour of Prayer, May I Thy constellation Share, Til From Mt. Pisgah's Lofty Height, I View My Home And Take My Flight, This Robe of Flesh, I'll Drop and Rise, To Seize The Ever Lasting prize, And Shout While Passing , Through The Air, Farewell, Farewell, Sweet Hour Of PRAYER," AMEN. Bobby and Karen Hutchinson.
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Julia Blondin uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 21, 2020
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Debi Hutchinson Spurlock posted a condolence
Friday, August 21, 2020
Eddie was my cousin and looking at the pictures, it makes me proud to see that he lived like we were raised.. God first, family second. Every time I saw him, he always greeted me with that smile! He was a special man with a beautiful soul. My heart goes out to those who will miss him as a son, brother, father, nephew, uncle, granddaddy, cousin, and a friend. Praying for peace and comfort for you all. Rest in peace Eddie. ❤️
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The Ray Gilmer Family purchased flowers
Friday, August 21, 2020
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We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
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Bill McClain posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, August 21, 2020
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I was greatly saddened to hear about Eddie's death. I loved getting to know Eddie and Susan and their two young sons. His and Susan's passion and commitment for the Lord and for evangelism was very encouraging to me. Eddie will be greatly missed. I pray that Susan, the children, the grandchildren, and the entire family will be comforted by the Lord during their grief. I especially ask the Lord to give Susan great strength to go on without her beloved mate, and that the children and grandchildren will be encouraged by his life to also walk in the footsteps of the Master. Now as His servant, in glory, Ed is walking next to Jesus, as with the the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Be greatly comforted.
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Love, Aunt Gail, The Izzo Family, and The Champion Family purchased flowers
Friday, August 21, 2020
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Our thought and prayers are with you.
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The family of Edward H. Gardner uploaded a photo
Friday, August 21, 2020
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